Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Kui Shin Bo – San Francisco
Kui Shin Bo - San Francisco
Photo from Kui Shin Bo
Kui Shin Bo at a glance
San Francisco Russian Hill
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 90 of the guests
#1433 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#128 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
402
Reviews
69.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Good value
- Pleasant setting
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Cleanliness concerns
- Outdated menu
The restaurant, Kui Shin Bo, is a delightful Japanese eatery nestled in San Francisco’s charming Russian Hill neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
One of its standout features is the great tea selection, ensuring a refreshing accompaniment to your dining experience. Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, this welcoming establishment offers a genuine taste of Japan right in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Kui Shin Bo
Kui Shin Bo offers a culinary experience where the food often stands out, with many guests praising its quality and variety. You’ll find a broad selection that generally satisfies, making it a reliable choice for those prioritizing their meal.
However, the overall dining experience can be a bit of a mixed bag, with some aspects needing attention. While the value is often seen as fair, and the ambience can be pleasant and quiet, the service occasionally falls short.
Some patrons have noted issues with attentiveness and efficiency, suggesting that while the kitchen delivers, the front-of-house experience isn’t always consistent.
Good
7.2
out of 10
402
Reviews
69.2%
Satisfaction
100
negative
24
neutral
278
positive
Kui Shin Bo garners a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.2, placing it firmly in the good category. However, its Customer Satisfaction sits at 69.2%, indicating a mixed but nearly good reception from diners.
This suggests that while many leave content, there’s still room for improvement to consistently delight everyone. These insights are drawn from a substantial base of 402 customer opinions, with 278 positive remarks and 100 negative ones.
Diving deeper, the Food (7.7) is clearly a strong point, frequently praised for its quality and variety. The Value (6.8) also rates well, suggesting fair pricing for what’s offered.
The Ambience (6.5) is generally considered good, providing a comfortable setting. However, Service (6.1), while still good, is the lowest-scoring aspect, hinting at occasional inconsistencies that impact the overall experience.
What people like
- Delicious, varied food
- Good value for money
- Pleasant, quiet setting
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service experience
- Ambience cleanliness issues
- Outdated menu information
Kui Shin Bo presents a compelling case for its culinary offerings, particularly if you prioritize a satisfying meal. With a Recommendation Score of 7.4, it suggests a generally positive experience for many.
If you’re seeking flavorful dishes and fair pricing, it’s certainly worth considering for your next meal. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and some aspects of the dining environment.
While the food often shines, these other elements might temper your overall satisfaction. It’s a place that delivers on taste, but perhaps not always on every detail of the dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kui Shin Bo
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a strong 7.7 score indicating a good culinary experience. With 195 positive remarks out of 255 total, its clear that many diners are leaving happy, reflected in a 76.5% customer satisfaction. Guests frequently rave about the "delicious" and "flavorful" ramen, sushi, and tonkatsu, often praising the "huge portions" and "excellent quality" of dishes like karaage and katsu curry.
The "menu variety" and "many options" also receive high praise. However, not every dish is a home run, as indicated by 45 negative remarks. Some diners found the ramens noodles mushy or the chashu bland and tough.
There were also occasional concerns about sashimi being too thick or not fresh, and some ramen broths were described as lacking flavor or being overly spicy. A few experiences mentioned vegetables not being fresh or portions being surprisingly small.
Food
255
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
45
negative
15
neutral
195
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Food is delicious
- Portions are generous
- Menu offers variety
What people don't like
- Ramen can be inconsistent
- Chashu sometimes bland
- Sashimi quality varies
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food here ranges from comforting family fare to unique and delicious. We tried the coconut cream ramen which was DELICIOUS, and our only regret is that we don't live near enough to come back for it regularly.
- sushiMy experience at the restaurant was exceptional. I had the freshest, best sushi I’ve ever had! The baked salmon was particularly memorable, reminding me of something sweet from my childhood.
- ramenSuper delicious! One of the best ramen I ever had!
- Japanese foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed their delicious Ramen and other Japanese food in a low-key setting. It was a pleasant surprise to find such great food that is not overpriced.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I found the portions generous and the prices good. The staff were quick and efficient, and I had a similar great experience when I returned for a second visit.
- FoodFood:5
- RamenI can't stop thinking about the Ramen, it was so good!
- menuHuge menu with everything you could possibly want
- black garlic ramenblack garlic ramen and it was so flavorful!
- chicken teriyakiordered chicken teriyaki, katsudon and tempura
Frequently criticized
- ramenWhile the portions were very large for the price, the flavor was lacking. We found the gyoza to be the best dish, but the ramen was overcooked. The service was not the best; the waiter was extremely impatient and even spit on the floor while taking our order, which felt unhygienic.
- foodthe reality turned out to be worse than expected. The food was not tasty.
- sushitwo different sushi, it turned out to be a salmon skin, this is the worst thing we have ever tried. The skin overpowered the taste.
- Asian restaurantIt was nice. Unfortunately, the ramen was bland, and I would recommend going to a different Asian restaurant instead.
- Chicken Katsu moistureChicken not as moist as the Kara-age
- FoodFood:1
- Niku udontoo much fatty pieces
- Spicy Chashu Ramen brothMy experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. I tried the Spicy Chashu Ramen, but unfortunately, the broth was not flavourful. The meat provided was lacking and was neither tender nor fatty.
- Spicy Chashu Ramen meatMeat provided was lacking and was not tender or fatty
- beefput more beef in the Niku udon
If you're craving a wide selection of Japanese favorites like ramen and sushi, this spot is generally a good bet, offering generous and flavorful dishes. Just be aware that some specific items, like chashu or sashimi, might occasionally fall short of expectations.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.1 and customer satisfaction at 52.5%. Many guests rave about the 42 positive remarks, highlighting the "friendly staff, " "great service, " and how "accommodating" and "patient" the team can be. Some even mentioned a "great experience" and quick "takeout service.
"However, theres definitely room for improvement, as seen in the 33 negative comments. Common complaints include waiting time, an impatient waiter, and horrible customer service. Some experiences mentioned slow service and staff being distracted or not taking orders promptly, suggesting inconsistencies in the overall experience.
Service
80
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
33
negative
5
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, accommodating staff
- Great service
- Quick takeout
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Impatient staff
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed beautiful portions of quality food, and the service was fast. It was a very good time spent here.
- ServiceService:5
- staffI accidentally left my bag there but returned the next morning. The staff were very nice and gave me everything right away. 🫶
- accommodatingplace was very accommodating
- employeesemployees was so nice and they have a smiley face
- friendly couplefriendly couple running the place
- friendly ownersfriendly owners
- gave me everythingI accidentally left my bag there but returned the next morning. The staff were very nice and gave me everything right away. 🫶
- gentlemanLe monsieur qui m'a encaissé était très gentil
- great experienceI always have a great experience
Frequently criticized
- servicedisappointed in the service when you call
- staffThe only reason I'm giving it four stars is because of the staff. The guy that took our order was cold and was talking on the phone while doing it, which was not really nice.
- waiting timeI came and sat for 15 minutes at this restaurant. An Asian girl who arrived much later than me was served water and had her order taken.
- customer serviceI left and took my business elsewhere. Likely a racist place with horrible customer service.
- waiterWe found the gyoza to be the best dish, but the ramen was overcooked. The service was not the best; the waiter was extremely impatient and even spit on the floor while taking our order, which felt unhygienic. The vegetarian options mentioned were lamen and gyoza.
- ServiceService:1
- childl'enfant qui m'a donné ma commande me l'a donné sans un mot
- delivery30+ minutes to deliver my Uber order
- employeesemployees are not interested in their customers
- orderno one came for our order
You might encounter some truly friendly and accommodating staff, but be prepared for potential waiting times or occasional lapses in attentiveness. If youre patient and the restaurant isnt too busy, youll likely have a good experience, but its not always a guarantee.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot lands squarely in the middle with an average score of 6.5 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 61.7%. Many of the 29 positive comments highlight a pleasant atmosphere and appreciate it as a neighborhood restaurant with a clean space and a low-key setting. It seems like a peaceful place to enjoy a meal.
However, the 16 negative comments point to some significant issues. Guests found the atmosphere to be unhygienic, with sticky tables and even an unpleasant smell. Some described the restaurant itself as dirty, which definitely detracts from the overall experience and suggests there's room for improvement.
Ambience
47
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
16
negative
2
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quiet, peaceful atmosphere
- Clean space
- Low-key setting
What people don't like
- Unhygienic feeling
- Sticky tables
- Unpleasant smell
Often praised
- atmosphereI liked the atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- placeAn unassuming place turned out to be a hidden gem
- back seatingWe came in during the dinner rush and were sat in the back. Much more quiet than the front.
- clean spaceclean space
- crowdedI found the Japanese food to be solid. It's a great option because it's never crowded and conveniently close to our home. Many people opt for takeout here, which seems like a good choice.
- fantastic restaurantthink fondly of this fantastic restaurant
- locationEven better it was located right across the street.
- neighborhood restaurantPetit restaurant de quartier, simple
- restaurantthe restaurant was quiet and peaceful
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereI'm not too satisfied with the atmosphere though, it was very bright
- parkingThe parking was a little difficult at the Lombard location
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- cold winddoor gets cracked open with the cold wind
- floorthe floor is sticky
- front areaFront area where restaurant is, looks like storage area
- hygienicit felt very unhygienic
- placePlace is very dirty and very depressing.
- restaurant itselfrestaurant itself was a bit dirty
- sanitarywith the sanitary of this place
If youre looking for a quiet, low-key spot and dont mind taking a chance on cleanliness, this place might work for you. However, be prepared for a potentially mixed experience, as some guests have found the hygiene to be a real dealbreaker.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! Many diners rave about finding generous portions and affordable prices, often feeling its definitely worth the price. With a solid 6.8 score and 12 positive remarks out of 20, guests appreciate the great quality vs price relation, making it a pleasant surprise.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as customer satisfaction sits at a 60%, indicating a bit of a mixed bag. Some guests felt the cost was high, especially regarding the bill for items like sushi, and noted that food prices on the menu werent always up to date. These 6 negative comments suggest theres room for improvement.
Value
20
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Affordable prices
- Good quality-price
What people don't like
- High cost
- Expensive sushi
- Outdated menu prices
Often praised
- priceI enjoyed their delicious Ramen and other Japanese food in a low-key setting. It was a pleasant surprise to find such great food that is not overpriced. This place is perfect for a quick dinner or lunch when you're in the area.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I found the portions generous and the prices good. The staff were quick and efficient, and I had a similar great experience when I returned for a second visit.
- affordablemakes it more affordable
- pricedThe space is small, and it's clear that take out is popular during lunch time. I appreciated the wide selection of items, and everything was very reasonably priced.
- prizeI thought the prize was adequate
- quality vs price relationWonderful place and with the right quality vs price relation!
- spendI generally spend around $30
- valueMy experience at the restaurant was marked by great food and good value. While the atmosphere was a bit lacking, it was not a significant issue given the other positive aspects.
- worth the priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the best ramen in SF, offering a huge quantity with excellent quality, making it definitely worth the price. I will definitely be returning.
Frequently criticized
- billbill 105$. The sushi was very expensive and also not tasty
- costcost was high as compared to the quality
- food pricesI particularly enjoyed the burrito, which was wrapped well and was very flavorful. However, the menu is not up to date, and the current food prices are a little high.
- menuThe menu is not up to date
- priceSpent $130 for tempura, two bowls of ramen, one roll and a 12 pc of sashimi.
- tipsdommage d'avoir dû laisser un tips alors que j'ai pris à emporter
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? If youre looking for generous portions and generally affordable options, especially for a quick meal, youll likely find good value here. However, be mindful that some items might feel overpriced, and it's wise to double-check current prices.
How are the prices at Kui Shin Bo?
You’re looking at roughly 31 per person – reported by 90 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the broader spending habits, this restaurant’s price point is a bit higher than where most diners typically spend, with the majority of reviews clustering in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 90 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco. Its a good option if youre looking for quality without breaking the bank, but also not the cheapest bite in town.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kui Shin Bo
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Teriyaki Chicken Takeaway!
We spotted a teriyaki chicken take away promo by the road and decided to give it a try, and it was such a great decision! The meal was hearty and very generous for the price, with plenty of chicken pieces. Simple, but absolutely satisfying.
I really enjoyed it and would happily get it again!
- teriyaki chicken take away9
- meal9
- price9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Takeaway
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Small but nice place, quick service
The place is small but nice. I got takeout. The gentleman who served me was very kind and the service was quick.
I just found it a shame to have to leave a tip when I got takeout. Additionally, the child who gave me my order handed it over without a word. I said goodbye, and received no response.
A shame.
- place7
- gentleman9
- service8
- tips3
- child2
- response2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Perfect Experience with Delicious Food and Great Service!
My experience at the restaurant was PERFECT! The food was incredibly fresh and delicious. Additionally, the employees were so nice and had smiley faces.
I %100 recommend this place!
- food10
- employees10
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Food, Service, and Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed beautiful portions of quality food, and the service was fast. It was a very good time spent here.
- portions9
- food quality9
- service9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Freshest, Best Sushi Ever!
My experience at the restaurant was exceptional. I had the freshest, best sushi I’ve ever had! The baked salmon was particularly memorable, reminding me of something sweet from my childhood.
The food was rated a 5, and the atmosphere was also a perfect 5. Service was excellent, and the meal was a great value for the price.
- sushi10
- baked salmon9
- food10
What Kui Shin Bo offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Kui Shin Bo in Russian Hill?
At Kui Shin Bo, you can expect a cozy, casual, and trendy dining experience in Russian Hill. Enjoy lunch, dinner, or dessert with offerings like small plates, healthy options, and vegetarian dishes. They also boast a great tea selection, wine, and beer. It’s good for kids and accepts reservations.
What service options and accessibility features does Kui Shin Bo offer?
Kui Shin Bo offers dine-in, takeout, delivery, and no-contact delivery for your convenience. The restaurant is fully accessible with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. While free and paid street parking is available, you might find it somewhat difficult to locate a space nearby.
What is the overall verdict for Kui Shin Bo?
Kui Shin Bo receives a **Restaurant Score** of **7.2**, indicating a good overall experience. Its **Food** (7.7) is highly rated, followed by **Value** (6.8), **Ambience** (6.5), and **Service** (6.1), all contributing to a generally positive impression.
Is the food at Kui Shin Bo consistently good?
The food at Kui Shin Bo is a significant highlight, with many praising its deliciousness and variety. While some specific dishes occasionally receive criticism for being bland or overcooked, the majority of opinions point to a high-quality culinary experience.
How is the service at Kui Shin Bo?
Service at Kui Shin Bo is generally rated as good (6.1), with many positive comments about friendly and accommodating staff. However, some customers have reported inconsistencies, including issues with attentiveness, waiting times, and occasional unhelpful interactions.